Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has hit a political milestone after the registration of his new political party, the National Economic Development Party (NEDP), was approved.
Sonko received the NEDP certificate of registration on Tuesday morning at the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP) headquarters in Westlands, Nairobi, in a move signalling recovery of his political career.
Sonko is set to use his new party as a driver for his political ambitions ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Sonko, who was in the company of senior party officials and a group of supporters, arrived at the ORPP offices at Lion Place, where the Registrar formally handed over the certificate.
This means that Sonko's party successfully met all legal and administrative thresholds, which are outlined in the Political Parties Act, paving the way for its participation in the country's politics.
While the former Nairobi Governor is considered NEDP's party leader, reports indicate that Sonko is expected to be formally installed as the leader in early 2026.
Since his impeachment as the Nairobi Governor in 2020, Sonko has maintained a low political profile, primarily because his impeachment permanently barred him from vying for any political seat.
Sonko was removed from office by the Senate on the grounds of alleged gross misconduct, abuse of office and corruption, a decision that was upheld by the Supreme Court.
The former Nairobi Governor's political downfall was also heavily linked to his fallout with senior government officials at the time, including former president, Uhuru Kenyatta.
However, with the registration of the party, NEDP will now provide Sonko with a new and independent platform for him to revive his political career ahead of 2027.
Sonko's NEDP was among several political parties that were recently submitted to the ORPP for approval including the People Centred Party (PEC) and the United Super Alliance Party (USAP).
In a statement on Tuesday, December 9, the ORPP urged members of the public with reservations regarding the aforementioned parties to submit them within the next seven days.
